In a recent settlement agreement, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) reached a significant milestone in its ongoing legal battles by agreeing to a $700 million settlement agreement with a coalition of attorneys general representing 43 U.S. states. The attorneys general had accused the pharmaceutical giant of deceptively marketing its talc-based baby powder, which has been linked to mesothelioma and ovarian cancer.
This particular lawsuit was filed on behalf of consumers who were misled by J&J’s advertising of its talcum powder products. The lawsuit is different from the over 61,000 pending claims filed by individual claimants of mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. According to the attorneys’ general claim, J&J had, for many years, deceptively marketed its products to women and teenage girls as safe, pure, and gentle for use, despite knowing that studies and other evidence, including internal information, suggested that the products contained carcinogenic asbestos. The lawsuit accused J&J of promoting the products as safe and pure despite knowing about the health effects of asbestos.
On top of being required to pay $700 million, the settlement agreement includes several terms that are aimed at protecting the residents of the 43 states. The following are the conditions that J&J agreed to;
- J&J will not resume the manufacturing, marketing, promotion, sale, and distribution of baby, body, and cosmetic powder products that contain talcum powder.
- The pharmaceutical giant agreed to stop making any of these products in the country either directly or through third parties.
- J&J agreed to stop any form of marketing and promotion of talcum-based products in the U.S.
- The company decided that it will halt all sales and distribution of talc-based products in the country, ensuring the products are not available through any channels.
In a statement issued by the New Jersey Attorney General, one of the claimants in the claim, the AG expressed his satisfaction with the settlement agreement. He emphasized that J&J’s use of deceptive marketing practices was an egregious betrayal of consumer trust that should not have happened. The settlement agreement is a vital step toward holding J&J accountable for its actions and providing justice to the countless consumers who were deceived and harmed.
How Does Asbestos Cause Mesothelioma and Ovarian Cancer?
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that is known for its heat resistance and insulating properties. When asbestos-containing products are disturbed, tiny, microscopic asbestos fibers are released into the air. Inhaling or ingesting these fibers can be dangerous. Mesothelioma develops when inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers get stuck in the tissues that line and protect most vital organs. These fibers cause inflammation and scarring, leading to the progression of the illness.
In the case of ovarian cancer, exactly how asbestos causes this illness is a less-understood topic. However, it is thought that asbestos fibers can travel through the bloodstream, reproductive system, and lymphatic system and into the ovaries and cause ovarian cancer. When it comes to ovarian cancer, asbestos-containing talcum powder is believed to be one of the sources of exposure.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.